If Republicans and Democrats are the meat and potatoes of American politics, then third parties are bland hunks of bread: They can impact the overall experience and perhaps even make it more satisfying, but they usually aren't particularly exciting alone and most people wouldn't miss them if they were gone. It isn't all that kind or flattering to the people who work hard at campaigning under a little-known banner, but it's the truth. The United States electoral process functions as a two-party system; it's easy to see third parties in the US as being about as meaningful as a third wheel on a bicycle.

But it would be a mistake to discount them completely. Third parties can have a powerful effect on elections, sometimes simply by enticing the two-party base. While neither Republican nor Democratic, third parties often have an ideology that appeals to many within those larger tents, especially “fringe” elements who may have come to feel disenfranchised by their main party's direction. Such people can easily be compelled to split off, at least for a cycle. The potential for that gives elephants and donkeys everywhere nightmares, and its impact can be devastating.

This effect can be seen in the presidential election of 1912, when Theodore Roosevelt – who had already served nearly two full terms previously – was frustrated by the Republican party's refusal to nominate him again, and formed the Progressive Party in protest. Informally nicknamed the “Bull Moose Party” in honor of Roosevelt himself, this group lured a wealth of his supporters away from the Republicans, and while neither the GOP nor the Bull Mooses prevailed in the election, the Democrats running Woodrow Wilson did – because Roosevelt's group sucked up nearly a quarter of the popular vote, and almost all of that came at Republican expense.

More recent examples of this phenomenon include billionaire Ross Perot, whose Reform Party seriously harassed incumbent President George H.W. Bush's reelection campaign in 1992, and Ralph Nader, whose efforts as the Green Party's nominee in the historically close 2000 election almost certainly siphoned off enough votes from the Democratic ticket to sink Al Gore.

Republican and Democratic faithfuls are known for heaping scorn on third parties and their supporters, ironically not when their ideologies clash, but when they are similar enough to cost the main party support at the ballot box. And what's interesting is that the people casting those third party votes very often aren't sorry when they derail a party they would otherwise have backed. They went third party for a reason. Dissatisfied with the behavior of their more familiar group, they sought to send their leaders a message. And from the perspective of Republican and Democratic management, when that message arrives right after the one informing them that they've lost an election, it's hard not to take third parties seriously.

Dissatisfied with the job done by entrenched career politicians from both parties, Ed Baker has bold ideas to resolve a variety of issues including crime, spending and immigration. Conservatives, independents and progressives can all find common ground with at least one of Bakers positions.

The Delaware-born Chehade is an idealist. A successful entrepreneur, Mr. Chehade is also the chairman of the non-profit organization Solidary Foundation, which is dedicated towards providing food, education and other critical support services to needy communities the world over.

An ordained minister and member of the religious Constitution party, Scott Copeland puts God first and believes that Judeo-Christian values are the foundation of the US. He's totally unambiguous, and it's easy to see both the sort of people who will support him, and those by whom he will be opposed.

A member of the Reform party and fiscal conservative, Kenneth Cross confidently asserts that he has been studying politics throughout his entire life. He is a trained engineer, who presently works as a management consultant, and has owned three different small businesses.

Mark J. Dutter is an Independent from Spearfish, South Dakota with a strongly centrist platform, he is disappointed in both the Republican and Democratic parties, believing that candidates from each caucus put party before country, are beholden to big business interests, or both.

A minor candidate without a large financial backing, Marc Allan Feldman questions the prevailing wisdom that deep pockets are a prerequisite to victory in politics, contending that “votes are not for sale”. He is a Libertarian and opposes the fiscal policies of both major parties.

Residing in Springfield Nebraska, David is a lawyer who specializes in family law. Holcomb describes himself as conservative, Christian, pro-life, and pro-Second Amendment. His presidential run as an independent didn't gain much traction in 2012.

An actor who makes his living pretending to be other people, Cecil Ince's desire to be President is very real. He's a Libertarian who frowns on encroachments upon personal liberty, and worries that the United States is taking an unhealthy globalist attitude in world affairs.

It's all about technology for Transhumanist Party founder and presidential nominee Zoltan Istvan. His main priority is the allocation of funding for research scientists to develop augmentations for the human body that will destroy disease, enhance natural senses, and even conquer the specter of death.

Lynn Sandra Kahn boasts over 30 years of experience in the fields of government reform and conflict resolution. She touts a comprehensive 7-track strategy for achieving the goals of her platform: Fix government, build peace.

No fan of either the Republican or Democrat parties, Steve Kerbel holds to a defiantly Libertarian platform. He believes in personal freedom and accountability, with the absolute minimum of government necessary to keep the nation running. Kerbel is a pro-business candidate.

A salt-of-the-earth farmer from birth right up to the present day, Chad Koppie is a tried and true conservative. From gun rights to abortion opposition to the importance of faith, there are few surprises in his ideology, making him a good fit for heartland voters.

Having spent most of his life in the service of God, Julian Lewis, Jr places his faith before all else. He believes that the will of God can and does inform a leader's policy decisions, and he has even spoken unfavorably about the separation of Church and State.

Perry Morcom is no fan of the Electoral College; the Texas working man wants it eliminated, and the President chosen strictly by popular vote. He's also against congressmen and Senators serving more than eight years in office. Driven by compassion, he wants to help rather than deport illegal immigrants.

Though born in Montana, J.R. Myers considers Alaska his home, and even sought the governorship of that state before now going for the big chair of President of the United States. He's also chasing two party nominations for the latter goal. He's a conservative fellow and a man of faith, without much for leftists.

Mark Pendelton is a man of the people and a person of great faith. He has stumbled and made common mistakes, and that gives him the ability to connect with ordinary Americans. His mantra is “give me one term and I will put the government back in the hands of the people.”

Without going into details, Jeremiah Pent speaks at length about solving the nation's problems, especially social disunity and the staggering national debt. Like many other independents and third-party candidates, he worries that the Republicans and Democrats have become too powerful.

The 36-year old author, publisher, and radio/TV host already has more than 15 years of political activity behind him. Perry is a textbook libertarian, advocating drastic reduction of the powers of the Federal Government, while granting more power to the individual.

A hard worker with a bright mind that has brought him great academic advancement, Derrick Michael Reid is more at home solving equations than discussing politics. He has some fervent political opinions, mostly focusing on personal liberty, but his difficulties in communicating them promise to be a liability.

An average guy who worries that career politicians run the show, Ryan Shepard supports limiting all elected government positions to a single six-year term. He also has ideas for shoring up employment, education, and protecting the environment through abandoning fossil fuels and turning to renewable energy sources.

With extensive experience working with money on Wall Street, as well as a prolific businessman, Scott Smith wishes to enact economic policies that veer right even of most dyed-in-the-wool conservatives. His goals are dubious, but his confidence is unshakable.

It's easy to think of incidents in American history that may have turned out better had the President at the time enjoyed an IQ score of 185, and that's just what David Sponheim brings to the table. Disillusioned with Democrats with whom he identified for decades, he's started his own party – and he has some big ideas.

After living in nine different states, visiting twenty-nine countries all over the world, and living and studying in Africa for more than five years, the independent candidate Tami Stainfield is definitely an Anti-Globalist who has traveled the globe.

Briefly a candidate for the Reform Party presidential nomination in 2012, Robert Steele is a strong proponent of both electoral reform and the Open Source Everything initiative. He seeks to unite political outliers into an alliance strong enough to affect change – specifically, his proposed Electoral Reform Act.

Jill Stein is no stranger to national politics. As the Green Party nominee in 2012, she understands the rigors of a national campaign. Stein is a fierce advocate for the environment and believes that investments in green issues can propel the American people and economy forward.

Samm Tittle is an advocate for everything that made America great. As an experienced entrepreneur, Tittle understands that when given a job and an equal playing field, an individual can achieve great things. As a citizen politician, she believes in truth in government and equal rights for all.

Joy Waymire is a Godly woman who believes the Lord has shown her the way, even to the point of healing a slew of incurable medical conditions from which she once suffered. Politically, she is a straight-laced Libertarian, calling for little government and maximum personal freedom.

Reverend Chuck Baldwin left the Republican Party in 2000 in protest against the candidacy and campaign platform of former president George W. Bush. In 2008, Dr. Baldwin became the presidential nominee of the Constitution Party.

The ex-construction company owner governed New Mexico for eight years, during which time, the state’s deficit was wiped out - without the aid of any new tax increases. He also memorably vetoed over 750 pieces of legislations to keep a check on the state government’s spending.

The former Democrat became the first ever female Africa-American from Georgia to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives after being elected to represent the state's 4th District in 1996. She would go on to serve a total of six terms in the House.

The Tar Heel Libertarian has been an ever-present name in Libertarian circles and served as Vice-Chair of the Libertarian National Committee. The former sergeant with the U.S. Air Force proclaimed, “I am still a warrior, but I am not at war”, a clear indication of his anti-war stance.

We profile all official candidates, from all political parties, on a level platform. Some may be nutcases, but most are respectable individuals with legitimate positions on the issues. Any officially registered candidates not included may be fictitious, or have insufficient available information from which to build a profile.

We don’t know if any of these candidates would make a better president than a career politician, just as there's no guarantee that any of the 2016 campaign promises will actually be kept.

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